Reflections...

Now that Lena and Annika have 6 whole days of school under their uniform belts I was thinking about how much they have changed since those first days of preschool. Even though it doesn't seem all that long ago that we bought Lena a tiny red backpack and dropped her off on a sunny Friday morning, she has grown in leaps and bounds. Annika's eagerness to bolt out the door each class day hasn't changed a bit. Here is a snapshot (pun intended) of their first days of school over the past few years.

At age 7, Lena has already had 5 first days. Oof da...

Annika still raises her hand from time to time when she wants to talk or if you ask her a question...

The real reason for my reflective mood is something quite sad. A good friend of ours found out today that her mom suddenly lost her fight with breast cancer. I don't want to be to the age that our friend's parents are starting to get sick and pass away. I don't want to have to explain to the girls why I have been crying tears for my friend and her family who now have a void in their life. I know that it is the way of life, but I don't like it very much right now. I guess all we really can do is reflect on and realize how fortunate we are to have the life that we do...and not get so caught up in the little things that maybe don't make all that much difference in the end. We can also make a point to be there for those friends, let them know that they are not alone and that we'll grieve right alongside them. Now I think I will go give my family a big fat hug and kiss. May I recommend you do the same.